Divac announces retirement (NBA Zone)

Title: Divac announces retirement

Lone Wolf - July 15, 2005 11:26 PM (GMT)

BELGRADE (NBA) - Vlade Divac, one of most popular Serbo-Montenegrin basketball players of all time, has announced his retirement from the game in an exclusive interview with Sportska Centrala.

The LA Lakers centre had been expected to delay his decision until September 30 but has now admitted defeat in his quest to recover from a back injury.

Divac had make public his intention to finish his career back in his homeland with Partizan Belgrade, the club he left to join the Lakers in 1989, but any hopes of an emotional return now appear to have been dashed.

The 37-year-old, who signed a extended contract with the Lakers last summer, underwent back surgery six months ago and played only 15 games last season, averaging just 2.3 points and 2.1 rebounds.

"My back is causing me a lot of problems," he admitted.

"At the moment I don't feel pain, but after four of five days of playing I feel it a lot.

"There is just a 50-50 chance for me to be fully recovered for the new season.

"As I don't want to become a disabled player, I think this is a right time for me to stop playing basketball.

He added: "I had talks with the club management but the final decision was left to me.

"I've had a wish for years to finish my career in Partizan, but my current health leaves almost no chance for me to play in Partizan or for the Lakers.

"I'll stay in LA for one more year though, as my kids are finishing school here."

Divac made his debut for the Yugoslavia national team in 1986 and won two gold medals at World Championships in 1990 and 2002.

LINK

Mmmm, it's too bad he couldn't stay longer ;).

ballorama. - July 15, 2005 11:29 PM (GMT)

o yeah i heard abt this too bad for divac. but i always hated him. -_-

Lone Wolf - July 15, 2005 11:31 PM (GMT)

His Finals commercial was funny... but every time I saw him face the Wolves, I was like grrrrrrrr

ballorama. - July 15, 2005 11:33 PM (GMT)

yeah i remember that commercial, but I remember when Robert Horry did that game winner shot back in 2002 for the Lakers in the West finals. Vlade who was on the kings said after the game it was a "lucky shot". that pissed me off. bad attitude the guy has

ntw - July 16, 2005 12:18 AM (GMT)

i have no link so take it for what its worth but today vlade released a statement saying that report was false. Lakers can still use him as a tradable expiring contract.

Real Deal - July 16, 2005 12:26 AM (GMT)

LINK

QUOTE

Vlade Divac: Retirement reports inaccurate

01:46 PM PDT on Friday, July 15, 2005

Lakers center Vlade Divac said late Thursday night that an Internet report about his imminent retirement was inaccurate.

Divac, speaking by phone, said he will wait to hear from Lakers management about what the team plans to do with him for next season before he makes a decision to return for a 17th season. He said his health would also play a role in his decision.

He had surgery last December for a herniated disc in his lower back that kept him out until early April and limited him to just 15 games last season.

"First, I have to wait to see if the Lakers want me," Divac said. "If they don't want me back, then I have to think about my future, about retiring. But I make no decision right now. I have been working out and my back is OK sometimes. My back has to be healthy. There is no rush. We'll see. But I would love to play again and play for (Lakers coach) Phil Jackson if all things can be worked out."

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